Firms win Meadowhall work

Seventy per cent of work on a £60million refurbishment at Meadowhall has gone to local firms.

So far, 11 companies have shared £42m of jobs commissioned for the project, which is the biggest single investment in the shopping centre since it opened 26 years ago.

They include architectural metalworkers Dearneside, based at Parkwood Springs, with the company designing and supplying 1,200 metres of glass balustrade.

Sheffield-based EE Ingleton Engineering is providing coloured perforated metal cladding that will be used for decorations. And Clear Line, based in Sheffield, will be reglazing the centre

Darren Pearce, Meadowhall director, said: “Being such a key economic contributor, it is vitally important for Meadowhall to invest in the regional economy whenever we can.

“As with our focus on providing employment opportunities to people living in the Sheffield city region as a direct result of the refurbishment, we have made an equally important commitment that local businesses will benefit too.”

Tony Hodges, managing director of EE Ingleton, added: “We have been involved in a number of major schemes in recent years, but this one is particularly important to us, as our staff and families will be able to see the fruits of their labours whenever visiting Meadowhall for years to come.”

Last month it was announced that around 400 construction roles in total will be required for the refurbishment, which is due to be completed in late 2017.

Meanwhile, waste removal firms EMR of Sheffield and Ron Hull Group from Rotherham have helped to contribute to 98 per cent of waste diverted from landfill. To date the project has generated more than 600 tonnes.

Last month, Meadowhall announced plans for a £300m plan for a massive new extension, set to create 1,000 jobs.

The centre’s joint owner, British Land, wants to create a 330,000sq ft leisure hall – covered in a giant lattice-like roof, which will include restaurants, a new cinema and space for all sorts of activities, from tenpin bowling to indoor golf.

It will be fully funded by Meadowhall’s joint owners British Land and Norges.